Off the Record Interviews was born from a specific type of boredom that stemmed from album-release interviews and an interview with Marko Hietala that fell through the cracks on its way to publishing at Tuonela Magazine. I missed the old days of talking to the artists about themselves! I wanted to get off of the album-release line of questioning, which is heavily oversaturated by music medias, and into the lessons and personal growth they’ve experienced throughout their musical journeys. This inspired the name for the series, Off the Record!
Thanks for checking it out, and please do the usual subs and shares if you want to see more of these in the future!
Off the Record with Kai Hahto
This Off the Record Interview with Kai Hahto of Nightwish & Wintersun (among others) by Bear Wiseman discusses the touring break from Nightwish (and Wintersun), his time learning jazz drumming in New York, and who the rowdiest and most chill bands to tour with are, amongst other things.
Off the Record with Tuomas Holopainen of Nightwish
This Off the Record Interview with Tuomas Holopainen of Nightwish by Bear Wiseman discusses the past 30 years of Nightwish, what inspires him, what games and movies he’s been loving lately, and how he’d make the world a better place with one word.
Off the Record with Johanna Kurkela
This new Off the Record Guest Interview with Johanna Kurkela by Kathy Criswell discusses life, art, inspiration, self-care, her new collaboration with Bear McCreary, and what she was made for!
On the Record with Free Carmen
This On the Record Interview with Veeti Mäkinen of Free Carmen, Bear and Veeti talk about the band’s origins, what inspires him, and the fun little details and nuances that went into their dual-debut releases, “Solstice I” and “Solstice II.” Watch it here!
On the Record with Auri
This Off the Record Interview with Johanna Kurkela and Tuomas Holopainen of Auri by Kathy Criswell talks about the implications of fantasy inspiration, what part of other forms of art draws them in, and what fictional venues they’d love to play. Read here!
On the Record with Tuomas Holopainen, Johanna Kurkela, & Troy Donockley of Auri
This Off the Record Interview with Tuomas Holopainen, Johanna Kurkela, and Troy Donockley of Auri by Bear Wiseman talks about the bond between band members, inspirations and influences, and what type of tree they are. Watch here or listen on streaming services!
Off the Record with Johanna Kurkela, Timo Kurkela, & Troy Donockley
This Off the Record Holiday Special Interview with Johanna & Timo Kurkela and Troy Donockley by Bear Wiseman talks about childhood memories, favorite holiday songs, and why people should consider trying Brussel sprouts with marmite as a seasonal dish. Watch here or listen on streaming services!
Off the Record with Marianne Heikkinen & Salla Hätinen of Rabbit Cult
This Off the Record Interview with Marianne Heikkinen & Salla-Marja Hätinen of Rabbit Cult by Bear Wiseman discusses how they met and began collaborating, their evolution from Saruru to Rabbit Cult, and what they stand for and where they’re taking things. Watch here or listen on streaming services!
Off the Record with Sami Hinkka of Ensiferum
This On the Record Interview with Sami Hinkka of Ensiferum by Bear Wiseman discusses the band’s early days, “Winter Storm Vigilantes,” Sami’s creative writing endeavors, and cats. Watch here or listen on streaming services!
Off the Record with Mikko Salovaara of Kiuas
This Off the Record Interview with Mikko Salovaara of Kiuas by Bear Wiseman discusses weird moments from the band’s history, “Samooja: Pyhiinvaellus,” and their slow comeback. Watch here or listen on streaming services!
Off the Record with Tuomas Holopainen of Nightwish
This Off the Record Interview with Tuomas Holopainen of Nightwish by Bear Wiseman discusses the band’s evolution over time, the power and magic of art and life, how his band inspires him, and how life led to the making of “Yesterwynde.” Watch here or listen on streaming services!
Off the Record with Timo Kurkela
This Off the Record Interview with Timo Kurkela by Bear Wiseman discusses his musical history, his new single “Nuori sydän”, and the struggles and pressures that artists put on themselves and what it does to us over time. Watch here or listen on streaming services!
Off the Record with Anniina Lotvonen & Tomi Raikaslehto of Vies Vignette
This Off the Record podcast interview with Anniina Lotvonen & Tomi Raikaslehto of Vies Vignette by Bear Wiseman discusses the band’s inception and history, naming your genre when your sound is chaotic, and some noteworthy songs from their recent album, “Among & Around.” Watch here or listen on streaming services!
Off the Record with Altamullan Road
This guest emailer Off the Record Interview with Johanna Kurkela & Johanna Iivanainen of Altamullan Road by Kathy Criswell discusses their 2024 tour, what inspires them, and what they love about making music together. Read it here!
Off the Record with Juhis Kauppinen of Merta
This Off the Record podcast interview with Juhis Kauppinen of Merta by Bear Wiseman discusses the band’s inception and name, developing a sound that perfectly blends metal and pop, their three releases, “Kokonainen,” “Minä,” and “Virta.” Watch here or listen on streaming services!
Off the Record with Johann Iivanainen & Johanna Kurkela of Altamullan Road
This Off the Record podcast interview with Johanna Iivanainen & Johanna Kurkela of Altamullan Road by Bear Wiseman discusses how they met and began collaborating, how the pandemic affected their touring plans and careers in general, and some of their philosophies on kindness. Watch here or listen on streaming services!
Off the Record with Marko Hietala
This Off the Record podcast interview with Marko Hietala by Bear Wiseman discusses his mental health journey and leaving Nightwish, his various collaborations over the years, and why he thinks aspects of the music industry are exploitative. Watch here or listen on streaming services!
Off the Record: Get to know Derek Day of Classless Act
Off the Record podcast interview with Derek Day of Classless Act by Bear Wiseman
Off the Record: Get to know Chuck McKissock of Classless Act
Off the Record podcast interview with Chuck McKissock of Classless Act by Bear Wiseman
Off the Record: Get to know Franco Gravante of Classless Act
Off the Record podcast interview with Franco Gravante of Classless Act by Bear Wiseman